This study developed a framework of key components to consider when planning and running participatory design workshops for digital health solutions. Four experts from computer science, health informatics, psychology and social anthropology used the nominal group technique to agree on the components. The resulting framework, with five categories and 36 factors, was then tested on a real participatory design process for a multiple sclerosis fatigue app.
What was the context of our study?
Participatory design is essential in developing digital health solutions, as it increases acceptance, usability and trust. Careful planning and preparation are crucial for successful workshops, yet there was no framework describing the key components to consider.
What did we do?
We used the nominal group technique, a structured consensus method, with four participants from computer science, health informatics, psychology and social anthropology to identify the key components of participatory design workshops. A participatory design expert then applied the resulting framework to a digital health solution for fatigue self-management in multiple sclerosis to assess its feasibility, applicability and shortcomings.
What did we find?
The framework contains 36 factors grouped into five categories:
- Participatory process: How participation is planned and carried out.
- Involved persons and their roles: Who takes part, and in what capacity.
- Workshop definition: Goals, structure and activities.
- Setting: Where and how the workshop takes place.
- Privacy and ethics: Including relevant regulations.
Applying the framework to the test case showed that it was feasible and useful, and it also revealed shortcomings in the participatory process that had been analysed.
Why is this important?
The framework offers practical guidance while highlighting the complexity of participatory design workshops. It can help researchers and developers run better workshops, and in turn improve the usability, acceptance and usefulness of digital health solutions.
Reference
Denecke K, Rivera-Romero O, Giunti G, Van Holten K, Gabarron E. Key Components of Participatory Design Workshops for Digital Health Solutions: Nominal Group Technique and Feasibility Study. Journal of Healthcare Informatics Research. 2025;9(3):359–379. https://doi.org/10.1007/s41666-025-00199-4